Discussion
Dje initiates a thought-provoking discussion on why collectors love Patek Philippe, starting with the potentially controversial topic of rarity. This article aims to foster a cordial exchange of viewpoints on the brand's appeal, moving beyond marketing rhetoric to explore the genuine reasons behind its esteemed status among enthusiasts.
Well well well ! Patek Philippe is certainly not one of the most loved watch brands for nothing. I'm not here to try to convince die hard fans with marketing arguments but there are reasons! Let's discuss them!
Some of these reasons may please us a lot and hopefully we will discuss them, but some others may be more controversial. I wish to begin by discussing these potentially controversial reasons.
You may be already thinking that I probably fall asleep on the beach under a very warm sun and have lost my reason!
You may possibly be thinking about the difficult last weeks we had here (or I had here, maybe I was alone).
Don't worry I'm not planning to initiate battles of arguments but am just hoping that we could cordially exchange our points of view on some subjects.
So that we can come to conclusions after a while (I don't know, maybe a few weeks, maybe a few months) I want to choose aspects that we could investigate, so that: we would focus on the aspect chosen for the thread, please no slippery slopes; we would not elaborate on some aspects that are not allowed here (i.e. value subjects mainly).
I hope we can be as many as possible to participate, again cordially and respectfully for all parties involved. If I see that it can't be such way I'll end up immediately but I see no reason that it could not be.
And to begin right away I've democratically (I fully agreed with myself) chosen the rarity aspect, one of the founding values of Patek Philippe. I guess there's some room for discussion but we do not begin with the most essential aspect, to see how it turns.
Rarity, what does that mean?
Rarity, something that is uncommon, scarce, that is insufficient to meet a demand, difficult to find, not readily found, unusual, but also remarkable, exceptional, not ordinary, better than the average……
In the watch world, what does mean rarity for us? And is there any chance that we love Patek Philippe watches because of their rarity?
To some extent we could admit that watch brands, all brands, tend to make us think that all watches are rare. I hope some will agree that the number of watches produced in itself is not enough to define a rare watch.
I would like to defend the fact that a Patek Philippe 5959 is a rare watch even if they produced so far maybe 20 5959 for 1 calibre 89. I have no clue if there's a large demand for the 5959, as due to its small size (that I just find perfect) I never felt a largely spread desire for this watch, even if many admire it. Maybe they produce just enough pieces to answer the demand and consequently some could think it's not rare as it is produced enough. Maybe they could sell 5 or 10 times what they make and consequently it's rare? Maybe I'm wrong and no matter if they lack of some or not and it's just a rare watch as they made so few of them?
And whatever? Who cares? Is it of any importance that it is rare or not? Why do we love the 5959? Is there any truth for us WIS or collectors? Is this truth still true for more classical customers?
Maybe the 5959 is too much of a rarity to give us a conclusion?
What about the 5296G pictured above?
Is it a rarity? If so is the fact that it is a rarity a strong reason to buy it? Did you buy it because you found it to be rare?
If we look at the quality aspects of the rarity definition (not ordinary, better than the average), a 5296 is certainly a rare watch, like all Patek Philippe watches. But I feel, maybe I'm wrong, that it is not that aspect of the definition that we collectors or simple WIS may consider or have in mind when we think rarity.
Can we consider a Patek Philippe 5296G a rare watch in terms of availability? Is it uncommon, difficult to find? Obviously you don't see them at all corners, you rarely meet people wearing Patek Philippe watches (at least I do). Still if you want to indulge yourself with a 5296G I suppose it should not be too difficult to find one at a Patek Philippe AD or salon. If it is not available on the spot I guess ordering and receiving it should not take too long. I also imagine that the situation would be the same for many Patek Philippe references.
Now you'll be tempted to answer that if we discuss some references, let's say a 5712/1A or perhaps even a 5711/1A, a 5550, not to mention a 5131 or the more complicated pieces like minute repeater, manual wind chronograph or tourbillon watches it would be another story. Yes we would not find them so easily. Or at least we did not find them so easily in the last years. It has not always been the case and nobody knows if it will be.
In such cases, would you buy them because of their rarity? Would that be enough for you? Or do you have at least one other good reason?
If you've not been able to find a 5970P for yourself but see tomorrow 5270G pieces available where and when you want, would you still be tempted?
I mean, is rarity really important for you? Why if so?
I have my answers to these questions, but will keep them for me. Do you want to share yours?
I'm waiting for your point of view.
Yours faithfully.
Dje
The Patek Philippe Complications reference 5131 is a World Time model, distinguished by its cloisonné enamel dial depicting a map of the world. This reference is part of a series that showcases Patek Philippe's expertise in both horological complications and traditional decorative arts, offering a functional travel watch with significant aesthetic appeal. It represents a continuation of the brand's long-standing tradition of producing World Time watches, updated with contemporary design elements and a self-winding movement. The 5131 is recognized for its intricate dial work, which varies depending on the specific metal and region depicted.
The watch features a 39.5mm case, available in various precious metals, housing the self-winding Caliber 240 HU. This movement provides a power reserve of 48 hours and drives the World Time complication, allowing the wearer to simultaneously view the time in 24 different time zones. The case is fitted with a sapphire crystal, ensuring durability and clear visibility of the detailed dial. Water resistance is rated at 30 meters, suitable for everyday wear. The fixed bezel frames the intricate dial, contributing to the watch's refined profile.
As a World Time model with a cloisonné dial, the 5131 appeals to collectors who appreciate both technical sophistication and artisanal craftsmanship. Its limited production and the unique hand-finished nature of each dial contribute to its desirability within the secondary market. The reference fits into Patek Philippe's Complications collection as a high-end travel watch, offering a distinctive alternative to more traditional time-only or chronograph models. Variants typically involve different precious metal cases and corresponding enamel map depictions.
Are there watches from PP which I love? Yes! Rarity is like one spice for the meal, nothing more nothing less. First of all a watch has to please me and my wrist. Oliver
the main reason was rarity and the second was originality. Rarity again is related with individuality but also with value. The reason acquiring a Patek is always a very complex matter. Choosing any Patek is nearly always a costlier affair than selecting a corresponding model from the best competitor. The design of Patek's time pieces, their recognized overall quality, long perspective value are surely important attributes. But rarity is something important and Patek has been able to create a new
Hi, I Love the brand because of their family roots and love some of their models too. But hate the rarity in nature that make them envy of many..... So.....all in all,if you cant fight them then just join them,as to say. They never ask you to follow and making things more and more difficult but the sales figures do not show other wise.....so take it or leave it. Just my thoughts..... BHK9
I don't expect to ever be playing in the land of exotic and rare complications. And if PP makes (let's say) 20,000 or so mechanical watches per year, not so rare. There are dive watch brands competing in the USD 500 marketplace that are a lot more rare (but somewhat less desirable, perhaps ) While searching for a nice gold dress watch at a variety of price points, the 5296R (opaline dial) just called out to me in a way that I didn't know was possible. There are certainly much less costly watches
Pateks are all THAT rare. Watchtime had them at 42,000 pieces a year or so ago. By comparison, JLC made 50,000, but 8,000 of those were Atmos clocks (and there are more JLC models, limiting the actual number of pieces for one metal/dial/band configuration produced). For sure, there ARE rare pieces in the PP line - high complications, particularly, but I'm not convinced that a PP 5140 is more rare than a JLC Master 8-days Perpetual (especially the skeletonized version), HOWEVER, one HUGE differen
As it will provide some provocative answers... Do I love Patek as a brand? No. I feel very far from the common Patek customer, who sometimes keeps his watch " double sealed " rather than living with it ( his wife must not be the happiest wife, by the way, if he does the same with her ) I never understood why some of their watches are- how did they say, yet? under application?- which I feel very strange. Should we have a big wallet, and a virgin judiciary file to be authorized to pay a big amount
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